Meaning: 'Crept' means to move slowly and quietly, often on hands and knees, which is appropriate for the context of sneaking down the stairs.

Wrong options:

• slithered: 'Slithered' implies a smooth, gliding motion typically associated with snakes, which does not fit the context of a person moving quietly.
• crawled: 'Crawled' suggests a more laborious movement on the ground, which is less fitting than 'crept' for the intended stealthy action.
• bounded: 'Bounded' indicates a lively or energetic leap, which contradicts the quiet and careful movement described in the sentence.

Correct answer: squeaking

Explanation: The word 'squeaking' describes a high-pitched sound that is often associated with doors or hinges, making it the most contextually appropriate choice. It fits grammatically as a gerund that describes the type of sound made by the door.

Meaning: 'Squeaking' refers to a short, high-pitched noise, typically made by something that is not well-oiled, which aligns with the context of the door making a loud sound.

Wrong options:

• screeching: 'Screeching' implies a harsh, loud noise, which is more intense than what is described in the context of a door sound.
• screaming: 'Screaming' suggests a human vocalization, which does not fit the context of a door making a sound.
• squealing: 'Squealing' can imply a similar sound but often has a connotation of distress or excitement, making it less suitable than 'squeaking' for a door.

Correct answer: rest

Explanation: The word 'rest' refers to the remaining people or things in a group, which fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates those who are still asleep in the house. It aligns with the idea of the house being quiet despite the noise.

Meaning: 'Rest' means the remaining part or group, in this case, referring to the people in the house who are not awake.

Wrong options:

• remains: 'Remains' typically refers to what is left over after something is taken away, which does not fit the context of people in the house.
• last: 'Last' implies the final item in a sequence, which does not accurately describe the group of people still asleep.
• others: 'Others' suggests additional people or things but lacks the specificity of 'rest' in this context.

Correct answer: sizes

Explanation: The word 'sizes' refers to the dimensions or fit of the wellingtons, which is grammatically correct as it indicates the measurement of the shoes being too big. It fits contextually as it describes the issue with the wellingtons she borrowed.

Meaning: 'Sizes' refers to the different measurements of shoes, indicating that the borrowed wellingtons are larger than her own.

Wrong options:

• figures: 'Figures' typically refers to numerical values or shapes, which does not apply to shoe dimensions.
• pairs: 'Pairs' refers to two items of the same kind, which does not convey the idea of fit or measurement as effectively as 'sizes.'
• numbers: 'Numbers' refers to numerical values and does not relate to the concept of shoe dimensions.

Correct answer: rays

Explanation: The word 'rays' refers to beams of light, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the sunlight shining over the hills. It aligns with the imagery of dawn and the natural setting.

Meaning: 'Rays' means beams of light, particularly from the sun, which is appropriate for describing the sunlight in the morning.

Wrong options:

• sparkles: 'Sparkles' implies a twinkling or shimmering effect, which is less fitting for the description of sunlight than 'rays.'
• lights: 'Lights' is a more general term that does not specifically convey the idea of sunlight as effectively as 'rays.'
• gleams: 'Gleams' suggests a brief flash of light, which does not capture the continuous nature of sunlight as well as 'rays' does.